The first step in the shell mold casting process is to manufacture the shell mold. The sand we use for the shell molding process is of a much smaller grain size than the typical green sand mold. This fine grained sand is mixed with a thermosetting resin binder. A special metal pattern is coated with a parting agent, (typically silicone), which will latter facilitate in the removal of the shell. The metal pattern is then heated to a temperature of 350F-700F degrees, (175C-370C).